Im going with a intel chipset despite the fact i have a nvidia gpu mainly because i keep hearing bad things about the 7XXi series. I dont plan to ever go SLI anyways. Im going with a cheaper P45 as i dont think i will need a ton of options as far as overclocking and the such. Also the fact i wont use the crossfire makes the x48 kinda pointless and overpriced for my build.

My plans are to go with the GTX 280... I know its complete overkill for my current monitor but i really like the card and it fits my budget nice. Im by no means a nvidia fanboy, but i really dont like ati drivers and i always had better luck with nvidia gpus anyways. Lifetime warrenty is priceless also. Might buy a better display next year.

Gonna go with the E8500... I know i know... its basically the same chip as a E8400 but consideing i may not mess with overclicking for awhile the extra 20 bucks for the initial speed boost is worth it imo. I dont see no point in getting a quad as most benchmarks seem to say that C2D's are still on top for gaming.

Not to mention theres a combo deal that takes 35 bucks off with the motherboard and cpu together.

Getting windos 64bit obviously to take advantage of my ram. I realize that the oem disk is tied to the mobo but i dont see the point in getting the retail version when windos 7 is supposed to come out next summer and i dont see me getting a new board for over a year.

One thing i have no idea on... the one linked above is what i had in mind but im really not sure. I do i want somthing with the mounting bracket though as i hate push-pins.
Getting THIS thermal paste to go with the cooler.

I will buy a decent sound card in a month or so... Im mainly a headphones kinda guy anyways but will get something better down the road.

Think thats all besides a few odds and ends. The total will all the bundles and the promo-code comes to just under $1400 with shiping, and under $1300 after all the mail in rebates, but i dont hold my breath on them as they can be flakey and take forever.

Sorry for the double post but i been re-thinking a few things and im not really sure on if i want the 280 or not... I see benches that have the new 4870 1 gig at around the same performance for over 100 bucks less. Im not too sure about ati's drivers but i dont really know. Any advice? I was thinking i could take the money i saved and put it twords a better board.

If I understand it correctly the 280GTX will beat a 4870 in many games and apps (benches) but get shown up by the 4870x2. You will get 4870 for as low as ~$230CAD compared to the $440 you posted. There are lots of reviews on 4870 and 4870x2:

Thats it besides a few other things like thermal grease and a few fans and lights i bought. Total with shipping came to $1504 (us) and i have around $100 in mail-in-rebates to send in.

I was going to stick with the corsair 750 but the deal on the antec sg850 was great as i only paid 150 bucks for it after the promo code and the bundle deal with the case.I read some great reviews on it and am really looking forward to getting it. (i know its overkill)

I thought about it for a long time and debated on weather to go with a 4870 or not... Decided to get the 280 as it is a tad bit faster and i really like nvidia.

The reapers were about the easiest decision to make as i kinda knew thats what i wanted from the start and i really like the look of them even though there a bit overpriced compared to some other 1066 ram.

Finally i decided to go with the dual core as it seems best for games and many people pointed me towards the e8500.

I get the parts in next week and will have the system up and running next weekend if all goes well. Will post some pictures.